Efficacy of antileukotriene agents in asthma management.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This article reviews information on the role of three antileukotrienes (anti-LTs), montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton, in the management of asthma. After reading this article, readers should have an understanding of the efficacy of anti-LTs in specific patient populations.

DATA SOURCES:

Relevant and appropriately controlled clinical studies on the efficacy of anti-LTs were used. Only literature in the English language was reviewed.

STUDY SELECTION:

Material was taken from peer-reviewed journals and published abstracts.

RESULTS:

The efficacy of anti-LTs has been established in numerous randomized, controlled, multicenter trials involving patients with mild-to-moderate disease. These agents reduce asthma symptoms, beta2-agonist use, and asthma exacerbations, in addition to improving pulmonary function. The anti-LTs are also effective when added to low-dose or high-dose corticosteroid regimens in symptomatic asthma patients. They have proven efficacy in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma, and they appear able to reduce nasal congestion in asthma patients with concomitant upper airway symptoms. Some anti-LTs have been shown to be effective in pediatric asthma patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

In reviewing available clinical results as well as real-world experience in managing asthma patients, the Antileukotriene Working Group concludes that anti-LTs may be used in patients with mild persistent asthma as well as in combination with other asthma medications at all levels of disease severity for long-term maintenance of asthma control.

• Authors: R A Nathan, J P Kemp, Antileukotriene Working Group
• Journal: Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol) Vol. 86 Issue 6 Suppl 1 Pg. 9-17 (Jun 2001) ISSN: 1081-1206 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11426917 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Anti-Asthmatic Agents
• Leukotriene Antagonists

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Anti-Asthmatic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Asthma (drug therapy)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Humans
• Leukotriene Antagonists (therapeutic use)